Women convicted of wilful neglect at filthy care home for the elderly

More care home owners who mistreat elderly residents will be taken to court, prosecutors have warned, after two women were convicted and sentenced for the new criminal offence of wilful neglect.

Annette Hopkins, 61, the owner of a Southampton care home, was given a 30-week jail sentence, suspended for 18 months, fined £27,000 and ordered to pay £25,000 in costs yesterday after being found guilty of nine charges. She will also serve 200 hours’ community service.

Margaret Priest, 56, the care home manager, was given 200 hours’ community service.

There were nine victims in what is the biggest case to be brought under the new offence. The law, which came into effect in April 2007, means that police no longer have to find evidence of…